A Self-Help Program for Childhood Asthma in a Residential Treatment Center

Abstract

A structured program designed to enhance self-treatment was successfully implemented in a residential center for asthmatic children. The ultimate objective of the program was to improve compliance with therapeutic regimens, which was felt to be a factor that had necessitated placement of many of the patients. The program was designed to educate the patient and the patient's family regarding the nature of asthma, its treatment and the importance of self-help. Efforts were also made to enhance the emotional maturity of the child. Patients remembered to take their medication over 90% of the time within 1 month of implementation of the program. a similar program was instituted for outpatient use.

Treatment Noncompliance in Asthmatic Patients

“…Some asthma treatment programs regularly involve the parents of child patients in educational efforts, with positive effects on compliance. 52 One center, which emphasizes the pediatric patient's responsibility for the course of the disease, demonstrated a lessening in "disruptive influences" in the family and a reduction of costs of the illness as a result of the center's educational program. 53 Emergency room visits can also be reduced by such measures in a pediatric population.…”